Putin seeking to resume Russia-Egypt military ties

Vladimir Putin is planning a possible state visit to Egypt in order to take advantage of frayed ties between Washington and Cairo and possibly gain access to Egypt’s Mediterranean ports, The Sunday Times reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin

According to the Times, Putin is seeking to resume military ties with Egypt in light of the vacuum created by Washington’s decision and fears of a return to the Cold War era rivalry in the region.

The United States announced October 9 that it had decided to “hold the delivery of certain large-scale military systems and cash assistance to the [Egyptian] government pending credible progress toward an inclusive, democratically elected civilian government through free and fair elections.”

Among Russia’s motivations, the Times suggests, is access to Egypt’s Mediterranean ports.